Forklift Truck Selection Guide
Check out our tutorials which explain the factors that you must take into consideration when determining the type and specifications of forklift equipment required to meet your load handling needs.
Do not hesitate to contact John Jordan @ 216-587-0400 or via e-mail at johnj@neonmaterialhandling.com for additional assistance.
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Determining what size (capacity rating) forklift truck is required for handling your materials may require the assistance of a material handling professional. Basic information and principles of lift truck design are offered here to get you started.
If you occasionally need to handle a long load which has a combination of weight and horizontal load center such that in order to pick it up and counterbalance it, you would need a much larger capacity truck than you normally use, it may be possible to use a smaller and lower capacity forklift truck in tandem with one or more dollies to move the load.
Determining the type and height of the mast needed depends upon several factors.
Confusion abounds with regard to certifications for material handling equipment, and concern is well founded when determining which product to purchase and use, especially when the product must be used in a Classified Hazardous Environment - see OSHA 1910.178 (b) and (c).
Classified hazardous environments are locations in which flammable gasses, vapors, dusts, fibers, or flyings are present and may create a hazard of fire or explosion. Power-operated industrial trucks shall not be used in these environments except as designated in OSHA Standard 1910.178(c).
All rider forklift trucks are manufactured with driver's overhead guards in compliance with the OSHA Standard 1910.178 (e)(1). These guards shall not be altered, modified, or repaired without the prior written authorization of the truck manufacturer. There are some operating conditions which may permit the operation of a truck with the driver's overhead guard removed, but these are specially defined and restricted conditions as detailed herein.
You will need to take into consideration the existence of any ramps or sloped surfaces that must be traversed and determine what type of equipment is required in order to maintain safe operation when ascending or descending the sloped surface.